2016 will be a big year ahead for the Tralee BC. Since the club was launched in 1992 it has had a distinguished history as Kerry’s leading race club providing an established structure to develop riders across all age categories. The original racing team was Paul Griffin, Seán Lacey, Brendan Lacey, Kieran McMahon (RIP 2004), Thomas Hogan and John Dempsey. The original team proved very successful with many victories to their credit. Since then the club has excelled producing exceptional results at both National and International levels including a Rás Mumhan Stage winner, National titles and multiple wins across Ireland’s most challenging races.

We wish to thank our main sponsor Manor West Hotel for their continued support , and we’d also like to welcome iBike onboard as an additional sponsor. To reflect iBike’s sponsorship, the club will now be racing under the title of Tralee Manor West iBike .We would also like to welcome the riders from the former Team iBike joining the club who will strengthen the club’s racing presence considerably.

Manor West Hotel has provided Tralee BC with a perfect base for the club over the past 4 years, with its superb facilities and has been the ideal venue to host the club's two national races, events & workshops. iBike is the foremost bike shop in Kerry, with outlets in Killarney & Listowel, providing the cycling community with cutting edge service and advice, and will give the club’s racers invaluable top level support throughout the season.

The club now has over 90 active members across all age categories from U14 to Veterans. The club offers members structured training spins three times per week with focus on developing fitness, safety, group-riding and racing skills. The club organises regular training camps both locally and abroad. Educational evenings are also delivered by experienced individuals across a wide range of subjects including nutrition, strength and conditioning, training with power etc.

For 2016, Tralee Manor West iBike members look forward to competing weekly across Ireland. A1/A2 riders will pit themselves against the best of Irish and international riders in the local prestigious 4-Day Kerry Group Rás Mumhan stage race over Easter weekend, while A3/A4 riders will be pushing for results in the Corkman 2-Day in May and Charleville 2-Day later in September. Junior riders will be focused Sunday races as well as gaining selection for the Junior Tour of Ireland.

Great day's racing at the 50th Drumm Cup today in Currow in perfect conditions, hosted by Currow CC. Tralee Manor West BC were well represented with 8 riders racing.

First off was Cian Smailes in the U16s, who got into a 3 man break which almost stayed clear until the end, finishing in a bunch sprint with Cian taking a 4th place.

In the A4 race Teresa O'Sullivan was just pipped into 2nd Lady home, with Shane O'Brien (making his racing debut) and Mark Ryall finishing very strongly in the main bunch.

In the A3 race, Cormac Daly, Jerry McCarthy & Colm Austen O'Sullivan rode very strongly, with Cormac bridging across to the breakaway group on the third lap. The leaders then extended their lead to 1min 20 secs to remain clear to the finish with Cormac taking 10th place.

Well done to all our riders and thanks to Currow CC for putting on a great race. Big thanks to Tony Daly for driving the team car again today.

Just a quick heads up to anyone still considering staying in Manor West Hotel for the Lacey Cup, there are only a handful of rooms left, so give them a call on 066 7194500 asap ! Full details below.

LACEY CUP ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES :

Our main sponsors Manor West Hotel have put together great package deals for cyclists and their families / partners who may wish to travel to Tralee the day before the Lacey Cup. The packages are as follows: Bed & Breakfast €40pps. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast €59 pps. Single room, Bed & Breakfast €50. Single room, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast €69.

Manor West Hotel has underground parking with a secure bike lock-up facility . Special late Check-out at 4.30pm to allow cyclists shower and change afterwards. Full use of leisure facilities including 18m pool, sauna and jacuzzi. The hotel is located adjacent to Manor West Retail Park (Kerry's largest shopping complex). For anyone interested in booking please contact the hotel at 066 7194500 and quote "Lacey Cup".

Its Lacey Cup time again, the grand opener to the Munster racing season. This year again, due to CI rule T5.1.11 there will be a separate A4 race should the entries exceed 140 riders. The A4 Race will be immediately AFTER the A1/A2/A3 race. Total Prize fund is in excess of €1000.

Tralee Manor West BC's annual race the "Lacey Cup" is a 75km race. The A1/A2/A3 race is run on a handicap basis ( A4 run individually ) and starts from Manor West Hotel, Tralee with a neutralised roll out at 12:10pm.

The race is held on the Dingle Peninsula and takes the riders from the Dingle road outside of Tralee through Blennerville, on to Camp and up Gleann na nGealt for the first Prime, this climb comes after 15km of racing and is 4km long averaging 3% gradient. Once over the top of Gleann na nGealt the race continues to Annascaul where the riders will turn left just outside the village on to Inch and Castlemaine. Then another left turn at Castlemaine and onto the start of the prime at the top of the Slieve Mish climb after 62km for the Teddy Griffin Trophy, the climb is also 4km long and averages 2.8% gradient, before the descent to the finish at Skehanagh just outside the town of Tralee on the N70 (Tralee-Killorglin Road).

The 75km route is one complete loop of a challenging route and tests the strongest of riders with the two climbs and rolling roads from start to finish. Click on link below for race route: